Why are women in Uganda 'dancing' uncontrollably? All you need to know about 'Dinga Dinga' virus

Called Dina Dinga (meaning shaking like dancing), the virus, that has affected around 300 people till now, also leads to paralysis in extreme cases.

Women and girls in Uganda's Bundibugyo district have been suffering from the outbreak of a mysterious virus leading to the patients experiencing high fever and uncontrollable shaking of their body.

Called Dina Dinga (meaning shaking like dancing), the virus, that has affected around 300 people till now—mostly women— also leads to paralysis in extreme cases.

As per a report in India Today, no fatalities have been reported so far, and the disease is currently being treated with antibiotics.

"There is no scientific evidence that herbal medicine can treat this disease. We are using specific treatments, and patients usually recover within a week. I urge locals to seek treatment from health facilities within the district," the publication quoted Dr Kiyita Christopher, the district health officer as saying.

In order to prevent further spread of the virus, maintaining a good hygiene, avoiding contact with those affected, and reporting new cases are recommended.

"There is no scientific evidence that herbal medicine can treat this disease. We are using specific treatments, and I urge locals to seek care from district health facilities," Dr Christopher further added.

However, no cases have been recorded outside of Bundibugyo. While samples from affected individuals have been sent to Uganda's health ministry, no official diagnosis has been confirmed yet.

This disease is being compared to the Dancing Plague in 1518 which cause patients to dance uncontrollably for days, sometimes leading to death due to exhaustion.

Meanwhile, another mysterious outbreak was reported in Democratic Republic of Congo this year, which is likely to be malaria, the African Union's health watchdog said Thursday.

First detected in late October, cases of the illness are concentrated in the Panzi region, around 700 kilometres (435 miles) southeast of the capital, Kinshasa.

"The working diagnosis now is malaria," Ngashi Ngongo, Africa CDC chief of staff and head of the executive office told an online briefing.

The situation has been exacerbated by malnutrition in the region, he said, describing it as the most likely hypothesis.

A theory of a viral haemorrhagic disease occurring against the background of malaria has not been ruled out, Ngongo said.

The disease has killed 37 people in health facilities in Panzi from nearly 600 cases, data from the Africa CDC showed.

Some 44 other deaths have been reported at the community level and were under investigation.

Access to the region is difficult by road and health infrastructure is lacking. Residents also face a shortage of drinking water and medicine.

(With Reuters inputs)